No images? Click here Infrastructure charges waived to stimulate constructionCouncil will waive infrastructure charges for eligible development projects in line with the COVID-19 Investment Incentive Policy, adopted by Council this week. The policy, which will be in place until 30 June 2022, provides economic incentives for development and construction industries, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars on eligible projects. For example, under the new policy, savings of around $24,000 would apply on a residential subdivision of one lot into two. The waiver applies to a range of development where infrastructure charges may be a barrier. New development in Cairns city, Cairns North and key locations in Gordonvale and Babinda, as well as all small scale residential development and a range of commercial and industrial projects in the in the Cairns region, will be eligible for the incentives if they meet certain criteria. A special provision of the policy allows for case-by-case negotiated incentives for projects considered to be ‘catalytic’ development, that involves significant investment of capital into the region that creates long term jobs. To be eligible, development must commence construction during the policy period (12 August 2020 until 30 June 2022) and complete at least 80% of the project value during the policy period. At least 80% of the workforce on site must consist of local contractors / tradespeople in construction. For the full eligibility criteria, please see the policy. Grants and fundingSmall Business Adaption grants - round two still open for regional businessesGrants of between $2000 and $10,000 are still available from the Queensland Government to assist regional small an micro businesses to adapt their practices and grow their business. The second-round funding of $100 million for the Small Business COVID Adaption grant was allocated 50/50 to South East Queensland and regional Queensland. The South East Queensland portion of the grants have been allocated, but despite submission of 2814 applications for the regional grants, funding is still available to regional businesses. Energy Efficient Communities Program – Small Business GrantsApply for funding of up to $20,000 to improve energy efficiency through actions such as:
Small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10million per year are eligible. The Grant program closes on 26 August 2020. JobTrainer Skills packagesFederal Government assistance is available for small businesses who employ apprentices or hire an apprentice who has recently been displaced from another small business. In addition to the existing support for small businesses, medium-sized businesses will now be eligible for the subsidy, for wages paid from 1 July 2020 – 31 March 2021. Back to work grantsQueensland Government Back to Work Support payments of up to $20,000 are available for eligible employers who hire eligible unemployed Queenslanders. Payments are also available for employers who hire unemployed Queenslanders undertaking an eligible apprenticeship or traineeship. Arts and events grants under the RISE FundThe RISE Fund will provide targeted funding assistance for sector organisations seeking to restart, re-imagine or create new activities, such as the presentation of new or re-shaped cultural and creative activities and events including festivals, concerts and tours. To be eligible, organisations must have, as their primary purpose, the arts and entertainment. Applicants may seek funding of between $75,000 and $2 million for a grant activity. The grant opportunity commences 31 August 2020 and will close to applications on 31 May 2021, subject to allocation of funds. COVID-19 support and informationLatest support informationUse the following links to stay up-to-date about the latest support available from the Federal, State and Local Governments related to Covid-19.
Cairns ratepayers paying among the lowest ratesCairns ratepayers are paying some of the lowest rates and utility charges in Queensland when compared to similar local government areas. In an annual benchmarking exercise, Cairns Regional Council has assessed itself against 11 other Queensland local government areas with populations of 100,000 people or more. Benchmarking was carried out across four residential categories. Cairns rated the lowest in three of those categories and second lowest to Brisbane in residential property with a with a valuation of $190,000 valuation. What will you do in a disaster?This was the big question for participants at the recent inaugural Cairns Resilient Businesses Network exercise. Representatives from nine network member businesses spent a morning testing their business interruption plans against a real-time scenario. Facilitated by Continuity Planners Director Graham Nisbet, the scenario focused on the actions businesses would take given the situation, not what they could or should do. Participants were enthusiastic about the benefits such a realistic context provided for their interruption plans, saying the exercise supported future planning and gave them confidence. As a result of attending the exercise and completing their interruption plans, four businesses will achieve Gold network member status. Free assistance and funding to commercialise novel productsFar North Queensland businesses looking to commercialise a novel product can now receive free support and advice under the Federal Government's Accelerating Commercialisation program. Lawyer and trademarks attorney, Donna Patane, through their delivery partner host I4Connect, has recently commenced as an Associate Commercialisation Facilitator in North Queensland. Her role is to provide advice, and connect businesses with investment networks and funding opportunities to progress novel products and services. The Accelerating Commercialisation program provides small and medium businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers with access to expert advice and funding of up to $1m to help get a novel product, process or service to market. Council tenders and procurementOpportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and current procurement opportunities are listed below.
To stay aware of all the opportunities as they arise, register on Tenderlink or check the council's web procurement and tenders web page regularly. Have your say: traffic congestion and insuranceCaptain Cook Highway congestion feedbackThe Queensland Government (Department of Transport and Main Roads Government) is seeking feedback about solving traffic congestion on the Captain Cook Highway between the Cairns CBD and Smithfield. The Cairns Ring Road study will investigate potential highway upgrade options to improve capacity, safety and useability, and service the growing demand into the future. Options that may be considered for this section of the highway include:
Survey closes 4 September 2020. Small business insurance inquiry - online survey openThe Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has opened an inquiry into insurance for small businesses, to consider if small business insurance products are fit for purpose. The inquiry follows reports that insurance is becoming unattainable for small business, and will consider:
Small or family businesses that have had any insurance issues are encouraged to make a submission or complete the online survey , which closes on 21 August. Support the Mayor's Christmas Cheer AppealDemand for hampers delivered by the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal is expected to surge this year as a result of the impacts of the coronavirus crisis and Cairns people need your help. The annual appeal has been launched earlier than usual this year. It provides hampers for local families and senior citizens who need a helping hand during the Christmas festive period. A donation of $65 will pay for a family hamper and a $35 donation will buy a senior hamper. Council news in briefPlanned link road between Kewarra and Trinity BeachPlans for a connection road between Kewarra Beach and Trinity Beach have been released for community feedback. The proposed alignment would see Miami Road in Kewarra Beach extended to join with Baler and Cayley Streets in Trinity Beach. New committee structureThe introduction of a new committee structure will enhance Council’s ability to effectively and efficiently deal with decisions relating to specific areas and activities. Four portfolio-based Standing Committees have been adopted, with membership reflecting the interest and expertise of Councillors. Program to replace water mainsCouncil has allocated over $2.1 million to replace 15 water mains across the Cairns region. The Annual Water Main Replacement Program involves the replacement of aging or deteriorated water mains within Council’s water reticulation system to ensure supply to residents.
The Black Business Finder (BBF) is Queensland's online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business directory. Commissioned by the Queensland Government's Industry Capability Network, the BBF connects project owners to Indigenous suppliers of goods and services. Free economic dataNeed sound data to keep abreast of key economic changes and make business decisions? Make use of Council's FREE Cairns Economic Profile tool. Powered by economy.id®, it presents easy-to-use data on local industry and economic performance, industry sectors, employment characteristics, infrastructure and assets. Want more Council news? Subscribe now!Keep up to date with all of Council's news and find out about what's happening in your community by subscribing to Council's e-newsletters. We'd love your feedbackWe’re always interested in improving our communications and welcome your feedback on what you’d like to see more or less of. Email us with your thoughts! |